Abstract: The Alexander Ryan photographs, circa 1895-1926, bulk 1900-1920, (SAFR 23353, P77-003) are comprised mainly of photographs
depicting views aboard American-Hawaiian Steamship Company and Matson Navigation Company merchant steamships, taken during
Ryan's career as a marine engineer. The collection has been processed to the item level and is open for use.

Nitrate negatives are restricted from use. Copies can be provided for access.

Glass plate negatives may require special handling by the reference staff.

Publication and Use Rights

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other
case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Processing Note

Each photographic image has been assigned an item number; there are often multiple physical forms of each image (e.g. a negative
and a print) which has been noted in the physical description field. All photographs are housed by type for preservation purposes,
in item number order.

An inventory located in the collection file provides a brief description of the contents of the collection evidently as it
was received by the museum in 1977. Original boxes 1-13 contained glass plate negatives and folders 14-29 contained nitrate
negatives. The original order was not maintained and was lost. At some point the negatives were given item numbers, possibly
in order of their densitometry reading when preservation contact negatives and interpositives were made from the nitrate negatives.
When processed in 2012, the archivist kept the assigned item numbers, but intellectually arranged the negatives into series
in an attempt to reunite negatives with similar content.
The processing archivist was unable to find physical items for item numbers 017, 018, 154, and 155. It is presumed that these
were nitrate negatives which were among those discarded in 1980 and 1988 due to condition issues. They could not be located
in nitrate storage (or in the nitrate storage discard box) as of March 2013.
There were two instances of duplicate numbers. Two different images had been assigned item number 001, and two different images
had been assigned item number 160 by previous SAFR staff. In order to eliminate gaps in numbering, items that had been assigned
duplicate numbers or that were lacking an item number were assigned one of the unused numbers. The previous item number or
lack of item number has been noted in the summary note field in the item level record.
A note on the 1977 accession form states that a description of Ryan is contained in a tape recording by a Matson captain.
The name Cox is crossed out and Beggs is written in. It is uncertain which oral history recording the note is referring to.
Description Notes:
Dates refer to when the original photograph was taken. Many of the photographic prints and negatives in this collection are
copies that were made much later than when the original photograph was taken.

The original box or folder location from the circa 1977 inventory was indicated on most but not all of the item's envelopes.
The envelopes contained minimal descriptive information and nearly all lacked specific dates. In the original inventory (see
collection file), Box 2 contained photos of "friends at Alex McKay's on board" [sic] and Folder 15 contained photos of "Al
Lewis and party." These two people likely appear in some of the photographs, but specific items could not be identified.

The descriptions in this collection guide were compiled using the best available sources of information. Such sources include
the creator's annotations or descriptions, collection accession files, primary and secondary source material and subject matter
experts. While every effort was made to provide accurate information, in the event that you find any errors in this guide
please contact the reference staff in order for us to evaulate and make corrections to this guide.

Please cite the title and collection number in any correspondence with our staff.

Alexander Ryan was born October 24, 1871, in Danbury, Connecticut, to John Ryan and Mary A. (Very) Ryan. He received a public
education before beginning his career at sea when he obtained his first marine engineer license in New York in 1893. In January
1902, Ryan became licensed as chief engineer for ocean steamers of unlisted tonnage.

Ryan served in the United States Navy during the Spanish American War as senior chief machinist aboard YANKEE (built 1915;
auxiliary cruiser; U.S. Navy). During WWI, he served as chief engineer aboard MAUI (built 1917; transport; U.S. Navy). He
was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander in 1918, and was released from active service in 1919. Due to his efforts
in successfully repairing MAUI's engines while en route, Ryan was recommended for a Distinguished Service Medal. He was granted
a silver star on February 11, 1921 and received letters of commendation from President Woodrow Wilson and Secretary of the
Navy Josephus Daniels.

Ryan worked for various shipping companies, including the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company, Oceanic Steamship Company,
and Matson Navigation Company. CALIFORNIAN (built 1900; cargo vessel), BUCKMAN (built 1901; merchant vessel), ADMIRAL SAMPSON
(built 1898; merchant vessel), VENTURA (built 1900; passenger vessel), and MANOA (built 1913; merchant vessel) are among the
vessels on which Ryan served as chief engineer. In addition, Ryan served as supervising engineer for the construction of the
Matson merchant vessels MANULANI (built 1921; merchant vessel), MANUKAI (built 1921; merchant vessel), and MAUI in the San
Francisco Bay area. In 1926, Ryan became chief engineer of Oceanic's passenger ship SIERRA (built 1900; passenger vessel).
When SIERRA was sold to Matson, Ryan maintained his position aboard the steamship until his retirement in 1930.

Ryan married Alice Gertrude Lasswell (1871-1940) on April 13, 1904. They resided in Redwood City, California and San Francisco,
California. Ryan was a member of several organizations including the American Society of Naval Engineers of Washington, D.C.;
Richter McKinnon Camp No. 2, United Spanish War Veterans; American Legion Post 105 of Redwood City; Danbury, Connecticut Lodge
No. 120, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Redwood City Lodge No. 168, Free & Accepted Masons; San Jose Consistory,
Scottish Rite, Islam Temple of the Shrine; and Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

Alexander Ryan died in San Francisco on July 12, 1964 and is buried in the San Francisco National Cemetery in San Francisco,
California.

References:

California State Library; Sacramento, California; California, World War I Soldier Service Records; Roll: 21. Accessed December
10, 2012, http://www.ancestry.com.

Additional resources:
Maui (Motor Patrol Boat, SP-1514). Being the "Log" of the U.S.S. Maui in the World War with Photographic Illustrations. [New
York?]: Brooklyn Eagle Press, [1919?]. Accessible via The Internet Archive at http://www.archive.org/details/beinglogofussmau00mauirich.
Ancestry.com contains several passenger and crew lists which record Alexander Ryan as chief engineer aboard MANOA, MAUI, VENTURA,
and SIERRA.

Collection Scope and Content

The Alexander Ryan photographs, circa 1895-1926, bulk 1900-1920, (SAFR 23353, P77-003) are comprised mainly of photographs
depicting views aboard American-Hawaiian Steamship Company and Matson Navigation Company merchant steamships, taken during
Ryan's career as a marine engineer. The collection has been processed to the item level and is open for use.

Approximately one-third of the collection comprises views of CALIFORNIAN (built 1900; cargo vessel), LURLINE (built 1908;
merchant vessel), and MANOA (built 1913; merchant vessel) between 1900-1925. The photographs show vessels in drydock as well
as scenes taken on and below deck. Photographs also show crew members and passengers aboard vessels, of which approximately
75 show women. Some photos show women dressed in borrowed crew uniforms and wearing fake moustaches and goatees. The collection
also contains views of other miscellaneous sailing, steam, and naval vessels, and views of coastlines and waterfronts as seen
from the water. Additional photos depict people and scenery ashore. Although a majority of the photograph's locations are
unknown, a small group has been identified as San Francisco, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C. scenes.

Collection Arrangement

The collection's original order is unknown and the photographs are physically arranged and accessed by the item number assigned
by previous SAFR staff.

To provide greater context and reunite similar images, the collection has been intellectually arranged and described in the
following series, subseries and file units by vessel type and place. Within these subdivisions, each image is described at
the item level and identified by the item number assigned. Because items were numbered without considering the image's content,
item numbers within the series descriptions are not in consecutive order. For example, Series 1.1, File Unit 3 contains items
186-190, 200, 225, and 268 yet they all show deck views of CALIFORNIAN in heavy weather. However, the photographs are arranged
physically, and located in the containers, by item number.

Series 1 is arranged into subseries for three significant steamships--CALIFORNIAN, LURLINE, and MANOA and other miscellaneous
steamers. Subseries 1.1 - 1.3 are further arranged into file units reflecting different types of views of the three vessels,
including drydock views, machinery below deck, and people aboard. Subseries 1.4 is arranged into file units alphabetically
by vessel name, followed by unidentified vessels, and copies of forms and licenses.

Series 2 includes views of additional vessel types, subdivided into sailing, naval, and miscellaneous vessels. Series 3 includes
views of scenery and people ashore, subdivided by location.

Consists primarily of various views of CALIFORNIAN (built 1900; cargo vessel), LURLINE (built 1908; merchant vessel), and
MANOA (built 1913; merchant vessel). Also includes other miscellaneous merchant vessels. Views show vessels in drydock, underway,
and anchored. Also includes views on and below deck, often containing crew members and passengers. Some of the passenger photographs
include women dressed in crew uniforms, sometimes while wearing fake mustaches and goatees.

Consists of photographs related to CALIFORNIAN. Shows the vessel in drydock as well as wharfside. Views below deck show the
engine room. Also includes general deck views as well as portraits of passengers and crew members on board.

Series 1.4, File Unit 3, which consists of unidentified views of merchant steamships, may contain additional views of CALIFORNIAN.

Two of the women are wearing crew uniforms. One woman is wearing a man's suit. Two of the women are seated on a railing. A
life ring and a life boat are partially in view. No original box/folder number indicated. See also items 7, 12, 13, 67, and
97.

Contains views of crew members and passengers aboard MANOA, including Alexander Ryan. Some of the passenger photographs include
women dressed in crew uniforms, sometimes while wearing fake moustaches and goatees. Note: For views of crew members in MANOA's
engine room, see Series 1.3, File Unit 2.

Posing on deck near of the lifeboats. Ryan has his arm around the woman and is holding a cigar. Ryan is wearing a ship officer
uniform and chief engineer hat. Originally received in Folder 15. See also items 9, 30, 125, 126, 127, 128, and 140.

On deck near one of the lifeboats. The man on the right is Charles Wilmarth, the chief steward. One of the women is wearing
his hat. Originally received in Folder 15. See also items 8, 30, 125, 126, 127, 128, and 140.

A man and a woman have paused during a game of shuffleboard to pose next to the railing. A shuffleboard paddle is leaning
against the rail. Originally received in Folder 16. Woman also appears in item 150. Man appears in items 117, 148 and 151.

On deck near one of the lifeboats. One man is wearing a crew uniform and purser hat. The woman is also dressed in a ship's
officer's uniform. One man dressed in a suit is wearing a chief engineer hat. Originally received in Folder 15. See also items
73, 80, 84, 129, 146, 157, 158, and 159.

Posing on deck near one of the lifeboats. Ryan (the chief engineer) is in the middle. One of the women is wearing the chief
steward's hat. Originally received in Folder 15. See also items 8, 9, 125, 126, 127, 128, and 140.

Box 5; Nitrate Storage

Item No. 045.
Two men aboard Manoa (built 1913; merchant vessel) posing near a lifeboat under an awning, between 1913-1925

Ryan is wearing his crew uniform and chief engineer hat. He is holding a cigar. He is posing near one of the lifeboats. Originally
received in Folder 27. See also items 29, 73, 84, 129, 146, 157, 158, and 159.

Ryan is wearing his crew uniform and chief engineer hat. He is holding a cigar. He is posing near one of the lifeboats. Originally
received in Folder 28. See also items 29, 73, 80, 129, 146, 157, 158, and 159.

A young girl and two women. The two women are dressed in crew uniforms. One woman is wearing the captain's hat and fake facial
hair (a mustache and goatee). The other woman is wearing the wireless operator's hat. Originally received in Folder 23. See
also items 5, 6, 112, and 141.

One women is wearing the captain's hat and fake facial hair (mustache and goatee). The other woman is wearing the wireless
operator's hat. Originally received in Folder 23. See also items 5, 6, 102, and 141.

Box 6; Nitrate Storage

Item No. 117.
Two women and one man aboard Manoa (built 1913; merchant vessel), posing on deck near a lifeboat, between 1913-1925

Posing on deck next to a lifeboat. The man on the left is Charles Wilmarth, chief steward. The man on the right is the ship's
surgeon. One of the women is wearing a hat belonging to one of the crew members. The other woman is bending over to retrieve
her own hat from the deck. Originally received in Folder 15. See also items 8, 9, 30, 125, 126, 127, and 128.

Posing in front of the binnacle. One woman is wearing the captain's hat and fake facial hair (a mustache and goatee). The
other woman is wearing the wireless operator's hat. Ryan is wearing his chief engineer hat and uniform. Originally received
in Folder 23. See also items 5, 6, 102, and 112.

On deck next to a lifeboat. The women is wearing a chief engineer hat and crew member uniform. The man is wearing a crew hat.
Originally received in Folder 15. See also items 29, 73, 80, 84, 129, 157, 158, and 159.

Consists of material related to miscellaneous merchant steamships. Includes views of the vessels underway and at anchor. Also
contains views of crew members and passengers aboard vessels, including Alexander Ryan. One group of photographs documents
the loading or unloading of a cannon aboard an unidentified merchant vessel. Another group of photographs show deck views
of either LURLINE (built 1908; merchant vessel) or MANOA (built 1913; merchant vessel) while underway in heavy weather. Views
of BUCKMAN (built 1901; merchant vessel), HAWAIIAN (built 1901; merchant vessel), MATSONIA (built 1913; passenger vessel),
TEXAN (built 1902; merchant vessel), and WILHELMINA (built 1909; merchant vessel) are identified. Also includes a photograph
of Alexander Ryan's chief engineer license as well as a blank American-Hawaiian Steamship Company Chief Engineer's Noon Report
form.

Consists of merchant vessels with names beginning with letters A through M. Depicts vessels in the stream as well as views
of crew members and passengers aboard the vessels. Includes BUCKMAN (built 1901; merchant vessel), HAWAIIAN (built 1901; merchant
vessel), and MATSONIA (built 1913; passenger vessel). One photograph is identified as either DAKOTA (built 1903; merchant
vessel) or MINNESOTA (built 1903; merchant vessel). A group of photographs show deck views of either LURLINE (built 1908;
merchant vessel) or MANOA (built 1913; merchant vessel) while underway in heavy weather. Alexander Ryan has been identified
in one photo.

Consists of photographs showing unidentified merchant steamships. Includes views of vessels underway and at anchor. Also contains
views of crew members and passengers aboard. Alexander Ryan has been identified in some photos.

Includes a photograph of Alexander Ryan's chief engineer license along with the licenses issued to three other engineers.
Also includes a blank American-Hawaiian Steamship Company Chief Engineer's Noon Report form which is the type of form Ryan
may have filled out as part of his duties as chief engineer.

Two chief engineer and two engineer licenses displayed in a four-pane frame. The top left chief engineer license (no. 18068)
is made out to Alexander Ryan. The text and the names on the other licenses are difficult to read. No original box/folder
number indicated.

Blank form. Has lines to note the steamship name, whole number of revolutions, average number of turns, pressure of steam,
cut of (in inches), coal consumed, coal on hand, distance by wheels, and turn to the mile. Also has a space for the chief
engineer's signature. Previously had no item number. Given item number 307 in December 2012.

Contains views of miscellaneous vessels seen during Alexander Ryan's travels. Series 2.1 consists of sailing vessels, including
ships, barks, barkentines, and schooners. Series 2.2 consists of unidentified U.S. Navy vessels, some of which were taken
in San Francisco Bay, including the arrival of the Great White Fleet in 1908 and during the Panama-Pacific International Exposition
in 1915. Series 3.3 consists of miscellaneous vessels such as tugboats, steam schooners, a U.S. revenue cutter, a lightship,
sugar lighters, a rowboat, a launch, and a crane barge.

View from bow to amidships with remainder of vessel out of view. Possibly HAWAII (built 1900; barkentine, 4m) or ALTA (built
1900; barkentine, 4m). Port quarter view of a small craft under sail in the foreground. Originally received in Folder 25.

Unidentified United States Navy vessels and one Royal Netherlands Navy warship identified as KONINGIN REGENTES. Includes views
of the Great White Fleet visiting San Francisco Bay in 1908. Also shows naval vessels possibly in San Francisco Bay during
the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915.

Starboard broadside view of INTREPID in the foreground. Port broadside view of WAILELE in middle distance. Stern view of an
unidentified tugboat near the stern of WAILELE. View as seen from an unidentified vessel partially in view on the right. Originally
received in Folder 25. Previously numbered as item 1B.

Contains photographs of the San Francisco Bay area, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C. Also includes views of unidentified coastlines,
ports, and views ashore. People are featured in some of the views ashore.

Due to a lack of information on the items' original enclosures, the locations where the photographs were taken could not always
be positively identified. Series 3.1 and Series 3.5 may contain additional views of the San Francisco Bay area, Hawaii, and
Washington, D.C.

Contains views of unidentified coastlines as seen from the water. Some views contain structures, such as lighthouses and a
military fort.

Due to a lack of information on the items' original enclosures, the locations where the photographs were taken could not be
positively identified. This series may contain additional views of the San Francisco Bay area and Hawaii.

Photographs taken in the San Francisco Bay area, including views of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, Point Bonita
lighthouse, Alcatraz, and San Francisco's northern waterfront.

Two photographs of naval vessels likely in San Francisco Bay for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition can be found
in Series 2.2, items 051 and 068.
See also Series 3.5 for unidentified waterfronts and views ashore which may contain additional photographs of the San Francisco
Bay area that were not identified as such on the items' original enclosure.

Arrangement

Arranged in item number order.

Box 5; Nitrate Storage

Item No. 025.
Column of Progress and the entrance to the Court of the Universe at the Panama-Pacific International Exhibition, San Francisco,
California,
1915

General view as seen from the water. Palace of Machinery is partially in view on right. Passenger and freight slips are on
the right. The top of the power plant can be seen over the buildings in the center. Originally received in Folder 20.

Gibraltar Warehouse as well as Merchants' Ice and Cold Storage are among the buildings in view as seen from the bay. Sailing
vessels pierside. Telegraph Hill is in the background. Originally received in Box 1.

View as seen from the water. Steamships in port. Glass negative enclosure notes that it was originally received in Box 9,
but Box 12 is indicated on the verso of the copy print. See also 301 and 302 for similar views.

Includes views of unidentified waterfronts, many of which show various vessels in port. Also includes miscellaneous scenery
and people ashore in unidentified locations.

Due to a lack of information on the items' original enclosures, the locations where the photographs were taken could not be
positively identified. This series may contain additional views of the San Francisco Bay area, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C.

Seen from the water. Bow view of a one-masted sailing vessel pierside. Derricks in view. Appears to be a large quantity of
lumber on shore. Originally received in Folder 21. See also items 177 and 178.